A review by bargainsleuth
Eternal Flame: The Authorized Biography of The Bangles by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike

5.0

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Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I was a tween and teenager when The Bangles hit it big, and I was obsessed with them! They were such positive role models for kids like me, a music group that had catchy, pop tunes, as well as some real rock ‘n roll Moxey. I was thrilled to get this ARC and dived right in.

Michael Steele declined to be involved with the project, which is too bad, because she was my favorite, but Debbi and Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs, as well as many others in the group’s orbit, provide details of the band’s formation, ascension, and ultimate breakup.

This very thorough and intimate look at the band and its germination, hard fought battles for gigs, changing lineup of members, and the slow road to success are covered in detail. I really appreciated this, as when I was a kid, I only read the fan magazines. I’m glad of that, though, because the author shares some really heinous, misogynistic quotes from articles covering the ladies at the time. Really sexist stuff. Constant comparisons to the Go-Go’s, who were a great group, but the pitting of women against women is ridiculous. Two “girl groups” could, and can, occupy the same space at the same time. I didn’t realize at the time, but the band was frequently accused of not playing their own instruments, much like another favorite of mine, The Monkees, and no number of live performances could shut down the naysayers.

The stories of what the record label and management would ask them to do, especially the styling of the ladies, is really frustrating. They were very much a “thrift store” chic that I admired, yet, there were constant pressures for tighter clothes, shorter skirts, bigger hair, tons of makeup, etc. Looking back on it all now, the women said they put up with it because they didn’t want to make waves with the label, and they should have fought for more stylistic control.

Speaking of control, some real knot head sexist producers help make their records. The experiences the band had making their classic album Different Light are upsetting to read about, because they were really psychologically messed with during the whole process, and it soured them on the process of creating great music. However, they asserted their control for their next album and had much creative success.

The struggles the band went through as they gained exposure and success makes me admire the band even more. Each band member dealt with it differently, and those thoughts are shared by the band members. While Michael did not participate in the creation of this book, her thoughts are relayed in various interviews she’s given through the years. Vicki, Debbi, and Susanna provide a lot of stories that weave the tales of the band.

The genesis of some of the band’s greatest hits, including Walk Like and Egyptian, Eternal Flame, Hazy Shade of Winter, and Prince’s Manic Monday, are all explored. In fact, the Prince stories really stand out. He was an early backer of the band and would frequently pop up when the ladies were performing and ask to come onstage with them. The ladies, to this day, have no idea why Prince took a shine to them, although they are appreciative.

All in all, this a great official biography of one of my favorite bands during a formative time of my life. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐